Dilantin (Oral)
Questions
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overdose of dilantin
Are there any long term side effects from an overdose of Dilantin? My mother-in-law had a stroke and then several seizures. The hospital she is in has overdosed her with dilantin for 4 days. I have looked up the side effects and she has several. After...
by Lisa in kentucky, 09/23/2006
Dilantin (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information
Dilantin (Oral)
Dilantin (Oral) Medication Classification
PHENYTOIN (By mouth)
Dilantin (Oral) Brandname
Dilantin Kapseals, Dilantin, Phenytek, Diphen, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin-125
Dilantin (Oral) is used for the Treatment
Phenytoin (FEN-i-toyn) Treats different types of seizures (epilepsy). This medicine is an anticonvulsant.
When To Not Use Dilantin (Oral)
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to phenytoin.
How Should You Use Dilantin (Oral)
Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
- Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, or chew it.
- The chewable tablet may be chewed, swallowed whole, or crushed before swallowing.
- Shake the oral liquid before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
- If you are receiving tube feedings, you should take phenytoin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a feeding. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Proper Dilantin (Oral) Storage
Store Dilantin (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Dilantin (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Dilantin (Oral)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using Tagamet®, disulfiram (Antabuse®), Prozac®, Advil® or Motrin®, diabetes medicine (oral medicine such as Amaryl®, Glipizide®, Glucotrol®, Glucophage®, Glyburide®), or other seizure medicine (such as Depakote®, Klonopin®, Tegretol®).
- Birth control pills may not work while you are using phenytoin. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
- If you are using an antacid (Maalox® or Mylanta®) take it least 1 hour after you take phenytoin.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Dilantin (Oral) Warnings
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a blood disorder.
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
- This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Dilantin (Oral) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Fever, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising
- Increased seizures
- Skin rash, hives, or blisters
- Severe confusion or unsteadiness, slurred speech
- Uncontrolled eye or body movements
- Yellow eyes or skin If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Excess hair growth
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Nervousness or trouble sleeping
